Malcolm Turnbull Tells The UN That Australia Has 'The Solutions'

The PM has addressed an almost empty UN General Assembly.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaks during the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly

CANBERRA – Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has used his maiden address to the United Nations General Assembly to urge world leaders to follow Australia's harsh but "effective" and "compassionate" immigration policies, while railing against protectionism and pitching for Australia's first ever seat on the Human Rights Council.

In a broad-ranging speech framed by global conflict, instability and the greatest refugee crisis since World War II, Mr Turnbull said "secure borders are essential" and "Australia's experience sheds some light on what the solutions are".

"Strong borders, vigilant security agencies governed by the rule of law, and a steadfast commitment to the shared values of freedom and mutual respect," Mr Turnbull said.

"These are the ingredients of multicultural success. And they are lessons we can share to drive more effective, coordinated approaches to meet our humanitarian responsibilities.

AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaks during the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly

To a less than packed audience, the Prime Minister described Australia's response to the global surge in migration as having "strong border controls," a "compassionate humanitarian policy" and "effective international and regional cooperation".

And, despite international criticism, Mr Turnbull said the Australia's immigration program of mandatory detention, asylum boat turn-backs and offshore processing on Manus Island and Nauru was crucial for public confidence.

With many millions of refugees and forcibly displaced people around the world, the scale of the problem is too great for lifting the rates of resettlement alone, according to Mr Turnbull.

"The most urgent priority is to re-establish stability and assure security in the regions of conflicts," the Prime Minister said as he listed the deadly trouble zones in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Libya and Yemen.

"Ultimately we will only find sustainable solutions by addressing the root causes and drivers of this displacement," he said.

Mr Turnbull called protectionism -- which has been championed by populist politicians like Pauline Hanson and Donald Trump -- as "not a ladder to escape the low growth trap, but a shovel to dig it deeper."

"Economic freedom between markets and within them, super charged by the internet, innovation and technology have enabled the longest run of economic progress in the history of the world," he said.

The Prime Minister used the UN speech to pitch for Australia's first ever seat on the Human Rights Council, citing the "maturity" and "honesty" which he said was evident in Australia's recent diplomacy with the rogue nation of North Korea.

"It is this maturity and honesty that Australia would bring to the human rights council," PM makes bid for UN human rights council